Discussion

Best 3-5 Course Romantic Meal Ideas?

I've been lurking on the chowhound forums for about 2 years now and its been incredible. I finally managed to make an account because I desperately need you guys' help.

My girlfriend is coming back home and its been about two months since I've last seen her. I want to wow her and make an unbelievable meal for her start to finish.

I'd like to have an amuse-bouche, appetizer, main, dessert (light), and perhaps something to follow. A wine paring would be nice. My goal would be for this to be a romantic, sexy, even impressive meal and I know you guys can help out.

In terms of what she likes, shes not particular in any way at all. I would like to try to make this higher end food instead of the old run of the mill if you know what I mean. Any help or suggestions that you guys would have would be of extreme value to me in any way. I'm talking just a random idea thats thrown out could help me tremendously.

Thanks in advance and I'll keep this thread updated on what I decided and how it goes!

Difficult topic. I can't give you a good menu, but I'll try to set some suggested parameters for the meal.

Garlic - love the stuff, but it kind of cuts down on any post-meal romantic activities.Spicy - keep a box of kleenex on the table...see what I mean about some kinds of foods cutting down on post-meal romance?Beef, cheese, milk - heavy proteins will send you both off to sleep too soon.

All this suggests you look for something light, and then play with flavors and textures on tops of that.

Amuse-bouche - there's a video here on another use for your soda charger http://www.chow.com/videos?tag=main_m... do up some berries that way and team them with a super good dry champagne (It'll cost you, but it is worth it.

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Main course: fish - it's light and you can work with some sort of steam/ en papillote thing. You could fool around with some crispy light vegetables with that. Say a thinly shaved, blanched and shocked fennel, and maybe some sort of chopped, spiced olives on the side for an umami touch that isn't too heavy.

Dessert - creme brulee, but add in something different. Maybe a fresh vanilla bean thing or a bit of spice with some jalapeno jelly.

To follow: Vin Santo with biscotti

If you start with champagne and finish with a dessert wine, then do something light, non-alcoholic, and rehydrating in-between. For example, if your fish en papillote is lightly dusted with lime rind, match it with a sparkling water with a bit of lime juice.

Another thought - attend to your guest. So don't choose a menu that requires your full attention in the kitchen.

On the other hand...if this all this light stuff sounds too light, then what's her favorite comfort food? Build your meal around that, but kick it up a notch. Example: macaroni cheese with chopped lobster mixed in.